We live in a great day and age. Information is readily available at all times. We have
cable TV, radio, computer applications and the Internet. We're experiencing information
overload most of the time.
Unfortunately, some people are not able to take advantage of the benefits of the
Information age. The reasons may range from lack of access to an inability to use
information literacy tools. And some people are not interested in the benefits of
technology and information.
However, there is only one real barrier to taking advantage of the information age.
The irony is most people impose the barrier on themselves. Yes, it is true.
There is one fundamental skill needed to take advantage of all the information
around us. Everyone has the skill in varying degrees. The skill is reading. Yes, reading is
the only mandatory skill needed to take advantage of the information age. How else can
one assimilate all the knowledge available to us?
Now, let's consider why people don't realize reading is their barrier to the
information age. The simple answer would be the reason why they are reading. There are
two main reasons why people read. The reasons are for pleasure and work.
People read for pleasure and leisure. There are thousands of books published every
year on a multitude of topics. The book stores are full of books and magazines. You can
read fiction and or non-fiction. The thing about doing anything for pleasure and leisure is
you get to it when you can. And there is nothing wrong with that.
People read work related material. There is email, reports, and paperwork of all
kinds to be read. And much of this reading can be tedious and boring. Work related
reading can cause fatigue and negatively impact reading for any other reason. Outside of
the regular reading material for work there are trade journals and magazines to be read.
Truly, this kind of reading is enjoyable but your employer may not allot time for it on the
clock.
You need to be aware of another kind of reading. This kind of reading will allow
you to take advantage of the information age. You should be reading for expert
knowledge. Now reading for expert knowledge is not quite the same as reading for leisure
or for the job. Reading for expert knowledge has a different end result. The end result of
reading for knowledge is to become an authority on a topic. When you read this way, you
are reading to gain insights, skills, tips, hints, tricks of the trade, and an insider's working
knowledge of a topic.
When you read this way, you systematically read trade journals and magazines,
articles, and books for a specific period of time. You may read about one topic for a year
and then move on to a related topic. Or you may read several books on one topic over a
long weekend. Read several authors with opposing views to get a sound overview of any
subject or topic. Find other media and opportunities to supplement your quest for expert
knowledge. In no time, you will discover that you know more about your topic than the
average Joe.
So, how else can you benefit from reading? Reading will give you ideals. Reading
will challenge your views, and expose your biases and prejudices. Reading will introduce
you to new people and places. Reading will inspire you. Reading will tickle you. Reading
will make you change your ways. Reading will tug on your heart strings. Reading will
give you many hours of enjoyment. And by the way, reading will make you smart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Discover how you can work technology like a pro at Sean's website.
http://www.onehourlesson.com Act now! Get a free 30 minute lesson on the topic of your
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